Key Takeaways:
- In 2024, 54.17% of all visas issued by Portuguese consulates in Brazil were job-seeking visas, marking a sharp rise from 31.86% in 2023.
- The surge in applications followed the termination of the “Manifestação de Interesse” program, requiring prior visa approval for immigration.
- Residence permits granted to Brazilians increased by 240% in 2023 compared to 2022, with Brazilians being the largest foreign community in Portugal.
- Portugal remains a top choice for Brazilians due to linguistic, cultural, and economic ties.
In 2024, over half of all visas issued by Portuguese consulates in Brazil were job-seeking visas, a dramatic increase from previous years. The figure, rising from 31.86% in 2023 to 54.17% in 2024, highlights the growing migration flow from Brazil to Portugal. Linguistic and cultural similarities, alongside economic opportunities, have made Portugal a natural destination for Brazilians.
What’s Driving the Increase?
The sharp uptick in job-seeking visa applications can be traced back to the discontinuation of the “Manifestação de Interesse” system. This policy previously allowed foreigners to enter Portugal on a tourist visa and then apply for legal residency. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro argued for stricter immigration regulation to “restore dignity” to the process, requiring applicants to secure visas before arrival.
This change forced thousands of Brazilians to adapt their plans, leading to a surge in job-seeking visa requests. Processing times have also increased significantly, from an average of three months to six months, creating new challenges for applicants.
Residence Permits: Brazilians in the Lead
In addition to job-seeking visas, a significant rise in residence permits issued to Brazilians has been reported. In 2023, Portuguese authorities granted 147,262 residence permits to Brazilians—a staggering 240% increase compared to 2022.
Interestingly, 45.3% of all new residence permits were issued to citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), showcasing the influence of historical and linguistic ties in shaping migration patterns.
What Does This Mean for Portugal?
The increasing migration from Brazil presents both opportunities and challenges for Portugal. On the one hand, the influx of skilled and unskilled labor can bolster sectors facing workforce shortages. On the other hand, the growing demand for immigration services strains administrative resources and highlights the need for more efficient processing systems.
Marcelo Rubin, managing partner at Clube do Passaporte, noted that interest in Portugal has become “a routine topic” among Brazilians. This points to a sustained trend that is likely to persist, necessitating further adaptation by Portuguese authorities to accommodate this growing migration wave.
